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Home / Equine Research Bank / Infez Med / West Nile Virus diffusion in temperate regions and climate c...
Le infezioni in medicina2023; 31(1); 20-30; doi: 10.53854/liim-3101-4

West Nile Virus diffusion in temperate regions and climate change. A systematic review.

Abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex, which was first described in 1937 as neurotropic virus in Uganda in 1937. Subsequently, WNV was identified in the rest of the old-world and from 1999 in North America. Birds are the primary hosts, and WNV is maintained in a bird-mosquito-bird cycle, with pigs as amplifying hosts and humans and horses as incidental hosts. WNV transmission is warranted by mosquitoes, usually of the spp., with a tendency to spill over when mosquitoes' populations build up. Other types of transmissions have been described in endemic areas, as trough transplanted organs and transfused blood, placenta, maternal milk, and in some occupational settings. WNV infections in North America and Europe are generally reported during the summer and autumn. Extreme climate phenomena and soil degradation are important events which contribute to expansion of mosquito population and consequently to the increasing number of infections. Draught plays a pivotal role as it makes foul water standing in city drains and catch basins richer of organic material. The relationship between global warming and WNV in climate areas is depicted by investigations on 16,298 WNV cases observed in the United States during the period 2001-2005 that showed that a 5°C increase in mean maximum weekly temperature was associated with a 32-50% higher incidence of WNV infection. In Europe, during the 2022 season, an increase of WNV cases was observed in Mediterranean countries where 1,041 cases were reported based on ECDC data. This outbreak can be associated to the climate characteristics reported during this period and to the introduction of a new WNV-1 lineage. In conclusion, current climate change is causing an increase of mosquito circulation that supports the widest spread of some vector-borne virus including WNV diffusion in previously non-permissible areas. This warrant public health measures to control vectors circulation to reduce WNV and to screen blood and organ donations.
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Publication Date: 2023-03-01 PubMed ID: 36908379PubMed Central: PMC9994819DOI: 10.53854/liim-3101-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates the relationship between climate change and the spread of West Nile virus (WNV), particularly in temperate regions. The data examined suggests that current global warming trends contribute to increased mosquito populations, thus leading to a wider spread of WNV in areas previously not affected.

Overview of West Nile Virus (WNV)

  • West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus belonging to the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex. It was first discovered as a neurotropic virus in Uganda in 1937, and then identified across the globe, notably making its way to North America in 1999.
  • Birds act as the primary hosts for WNV, with mosquitoes ensuring the transfer of the virus in a bird-mosquito-bird cycle. Pigs serve as amplifying hosts, and humans and horses are incidental hosts.
  • Other transmission types, such as through transplanted organs, transfused blood, placenta, maternal milk, and occupational exposure, have been observed in endemic regions.
  • The report of WNV infections generally increases during summer and autumn in North America and Europe.

Impact of Climate Conditions on WNV Diffusion

  • The study suggests that extreme climate events and soil degradation significantly contribute to the expansion of the mosquito population and consequently the increase of WNV infections.
  • Drought specifically, leads to a buildup of organic material in standing city drain water and catch basins, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
  • The research investigated 16,298 WNV cases in the United States from 2001-2005 and found that a 5°C increase in the mean maximum weekly temperature correlated with a 32-50% higher incidence of WNV infection.

European WNV Transmission Patterns

  • In Europe, the 2022 season showcased an increase in WNV cases, with 1,041 cases being reported in Mediterranean countries, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data.
  • This sudden increase has been attributed both to the climate conditions during this period as well as the introduction of a new WNV-1 lineage.

Conclusion and Public Health Measures

  • The study concludes that current climate changes, specifically global warming, are facilitating the increased circulation of mosquitoes. This, in turn, supports the wider spread of vector-borne viruses like WNV in areas previously thought to be non-permissible.
  • The research suggests implementation of public health measures to control vector (mosquito) circulation, reduce WNV transmission, and to screen blood and organ donations for the virus.

Cite This Article

APA
(2023). West Nile Virus diffusion in temperate regions and climate change. A systematic review. Infez Med, 31(1), 20-30. https://doi.org/10.53854/liim-3101-4

Publication

Le infezioni in medicina
ISSN: 2532-8689
NlmUniqueID: 9613961
Country: Italy
Language: English
Volume: 31
Issue: 1
Pages: 20-30

Researcher Affiliations

Conflict of Interest Statement

Conflict of interest The authors declare that no conflict of interest exists.

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